Woman’s 18th child sparks talk of ‘pregnancy addiction’: Psychiatrist explains

A woman recently announced she is pregnant with her 18th child and has described being captivated by the experience of pregnancy. The woman, known as Karen, has declared herself to be battling "Pregnancy Addiction" and claims to crave the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy. When she is not pregnant, she feels depressed and emotionally distressed.

However, medical professionals argue that "pregnancy addiction" is not an officially recognized medical or psychiatric diagnosis. Dr. Pavitra Shankar, a psychiatrist at Aakash Healthcare, clarifies that the term is often used colloquially to describe a strong desire to have more children but is not a formal medical condition. Dr. Shankar emphasizes that repeatedly wanting to become pregnant does not automatically equate to an addiction.

She explains that pregnancy can provide a sense of purpose, emotional fulfillment, identity, or connection for some women, especially if previous pregnancies were positive experiences. However, there can also be complex emotional factors at play, such as guilt from miscarriages or infertility, relationship issues, societal pressure to have children, or unresolved emotional issues.

These diverse factors can influence an individual's attitude towards pregnancy. If someone feels unfulfilled or distressed when they are not pregnant, it may be worth investigating the emotional significance of pregnancy for that person. While feeling low between pregnancies does not necessarily indicate a specific mental health condition, a psychological assessment may be helpful to understand the underlying emotional needs.

Professionals should be consulted if thoughts about pregnancy become uncontrollable, disrupt relationships, or result in multiple pregnancies despite personal, medical, or emotional challenges. In such cases, a psychiatrist or psychologist can explore the underlying emotional factors without judgment. The diagnosis of "pregnancy addiction" can be misleading as it oversimplifies a person's emotional experience.

A persistent desire to become pregnant is not, by itself, a psychiatric condition. Understanding the individual's unique emotional landscape, relationships, mental health, and circumstances is crucial in addressing the issue.